KelpShot
| Feature | KelpShot | CleanShot X |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $8.99 once | $35 once, then $19 a year for updates |
| Updates included | Every 1.x version | 1 year |
| Scrolling capture | ✓ vertical | ✓ vertical and horizontal |
| Solid redaction | ✓ plus Redact Text | Blur, pixelate |
| Copy text (OCR) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Pin screenshots | ✓ | ✓ |
| Backgrounds and padding | ✓ | ✓ |
| Screen recording | ✕ | ✓ MP4 and GIF |
| Cloud share links | ✕ nothing is uploaded | ✓ CleanShot Cloud |
| Runs on | Apple silicon, macOS 14+ | macOS 13+ |
Where KelpShot wins
- Costs a quarter of the price, and every 1.x update is included
- Solid redaction that can't be unblurred, and Redact Text finds the words for you
- No account and no cloud: screenshots stay on your Mac
Where CleanShot X wins
- Screen recording, as video or GIF
- One-click cloud links and team plans
- Horizontal scrolling capture, and Macs on macOS 13
Try KelpShot free for 30 days. Then $8.99 once. Nothing locks afterwards.
Questions
Is KelpShot a good CleanShot X alternative?
If you mainly take screenshots, mark them up, and hide private details, yes, for $8.99 once. If you record your screen or share cloud links every day, CleanShot X is the better fit.
Can I try KelpShot before buying?
Yes. Every feature is free for 30 days, and nothing locks afterwards; KelpShot only shows a weekly reminder.
Does KelpShot upload my screenshots?
No. Capturing, editing, text recognition, and licensing all work offline, and nothing leaves your Mac.
More comparisons: KelpShot vs Snagit · KelpShot vs Shottr · all apps side by side
✓ yes · ✕ no · — not listed on their website. CleanShot X details checked 13 October 2026 on cleanshot.com/pricing, cleanshot.com/features; prices in USD and may change. KelpShot isn't signed by Apple yet, so the first launch takes one extra step. CleanShot X is a trademark of its owner; KelpShot isn't affiliated with it. Out of date? Tell us.